Prosecutors: Duo ripped victim from car

GOOGLE MAPS PHOTO | Two Riverheas residents have been arrested in connection with a robbery on Wilson Avenue (blue marker) last week.

A man and woman accused of pulling a man from his car, beating him and then robbing him of $3,000 in Riverhead last Sunday were arraigned in Suffolk County criminal court on robbery charges Wednesday.

Tywan Jones, 33, and Shawanna James, 40, who both have extensive criminal histories, each face second- and third-degree robbery charges in connection with the incident, prosecutors said.

The alleged robbery occurred about 4 p.m. on Wilson Avenue, which is in a residential neighborhood off East Main Street, according to a town police report. The victim was parked at a stop sign when Ms. James and Mr. Jones asked him to lower his window, according to a Suffolk County assistant district attorney.

When the victim pulled down his window, Ms. James reached into the car and grabbed the victim’s hair, pulling out one of his earrings in the attack, prosecutors said.

Ms. James and Mr. Jones then pulled the man out of his car, threw him to the ground and beat him, officials said. They allegedly stole the man’s wallet, which contained credit cards and $3,000 in cash, as well as his passport and jacket, officials said. The victim reported the matter to Riverhead Town police that same day, through a Spanish interpreter at police headquarters, police said.

Town police on patrol arrested Mr. Jones on Philips Street last Tuesday in connection with the robbery, according to a police report.

The next day, Ms. James was arrested on Main Road in Jamesport for her alleged role in the crime, police said.

Mr. Jones has nine previous convictions, including three felonies — one violent — and six misdemeanors, prosecutors said. His co-defendant, Ms. James, has three felony and 13 misdemeanor convictions.

Bail for each suspect was set at $100,000 cash or $250,000 bond. They’re being held in the Suffolk County jail.